Hit Nero 19

Nero d’avola is the lazy winemaker’s dream variety. It’s got so much natural acidity, nice tannin structure, and bright juicy fruit character that the biggest task we have is to make sure we don’t muck around with it too much and ruin the natural instincts inherent in the grape. We made the 2019 Hit MAAN with this in mind, so we kept it very simple. This wine was wild fermented in open fermenters, receiving two light pump-overs a day. The free-run was kept separate from the pressings (basket pressed to retain a lighter touch), with the free run fraction staying in tank until bottling to retain freshness and brightness. Whilst the pressings fraction (about 33%) which was a more tannic and “bigger” style, was aged in older barrels, to help soften some of the tannins and give a little spicy character. This was all combined prior to bottling.

Beautiful ruby colour. Purplish hue. Really bright and youthful

Packed with red fruits on the nose. Especially in the red berry spectrum. Tonnes of raspberry, mulberry, boysenberry and even blueberry. Countered by a touch of herbaceousness like fennel and thyme flowers. Bit of a doughy nose that combined with the fruit is reminiscent of freshly baked fruit tarts. Although very fresh and bright on the nose, there are hints of secondary characters waiting to come out in years to come.

The berry smorgasbord carries through on the palate. Bit richer than the nose suggests. Medium weight, some riper characters like stewed plums and dark cherries. Light and zippy but with a gentle tannin profile and lingering finish. Nice prominent tannins but not in an obvious way, they hide and slowly reveal themselves after a few more sips. Incredibly delicious, a real down-the-hatch special. Some confected characters pop out on second taste like musk sticks, toffee apple chews and even a touch of dark chocolate/coconut from the 33% seasoned oak used in production. Drink in the next 5 years.